Saudi Arabia arrests 22,555 labour and residency law violators in a week

Dubai: Some 22,555 law violators were arrested during a week-long inspection campaign across Saudi Arabia targeting residency, labour and border security laws, the Ministry of Interior has said.

The violations, recorded between January 16 and January 22, included 14,260 related to residency laws, 4,954 to border security and 3,341 to labor regulations.

Authorities detained 1,700 individuals attempting to enter the Kingdom illegally, including 42 per cent Yemenis, 56 per cent Ethiopians, and 2 per cent from other nationalities. Additionally, 81 individuals were arrested for attempting to exit the country illegally.

Twenty-four people were apprehended for facilitating illegal entry, transporting, sheltering, or employing violators.

Currently, 33,871 expatriates — 30,984 men and 2,887 women — are undergoing procedures to enforce regulations. Of these, 26,489 violators have been referred to their embassies or consulates for travel documentation, 2,274 are arranging departure, and 10,948 have been repatriated.

The ministry reiterated strict penalties for those aiding illegal entry into Saudi Arabia, including up to 15 years in prison, fines of up to SR1 million, and the confiscation of vehicles or properties used in the crimes. These offenses are classified as major crimes requiring immediate arrest.

The public has been urged to report violations by contacting 911 in the Mecca, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 or 996 in other parts of the Kingdom.